At his Wednesday Audience on November 13, 2013, Pope Francis, continuing his catechesis on the Creed, spoke about the sacrament of Baptism. He looked at the three main elements of the proclamation:“I confess” – The first words, said the Holy Father, are a “solemn declaration” which “highlights the importance of Baptism and affirms our identity as children of God.” He noted that in the sacrament, our faith is also linked to the remission of sins. “one Baptism” – The word ‘baptism’ literal … [Read more...]

When you walk into the church, you dip your fingers into the holy water font and then make the sign of the cross. But why do you do that?Why do Catholics use holy water in their worship and their devotional life? * * * * *Numbers 5:17"And he shall take holy water in an earthen vessel, and he shall cast a little earth of the pavement of the tabernacle into it." * * * * * The Catholic Church teaches that Christ instituted seven "sacraments"--means by … [Read more...]

Last month, Texas Governor Rick Perry took a dip in the Little Rocky Creek near Independence, Texas. The governor was quietly baptized in a ceremony open to his close friends and family. Pastor Mac Richard of Lake Hills Church in Austin, Texas, presided over the re-dedication.Perry "reaffirmed his commitment" to his Christian faith in the same waters where Texas's famed governor Sam Houston was baptized back in 1854. Houston, who had a sense of humor, is reported to have quipped that he wa … [Read more...]